Diehl Defence and AEL Sistemas strengthen air defence partnership in Brazil
Diehl Defence and AEL Sistemas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brasília on Friday regarding their cooperation on Brazil’s medium- and extended-range ground-based air defence (GBAD) programs.
The MoU reaffirms the long-standing strategic partnership between the two companies and is an important element for a joint commitment to the further development of Brazil’s air defence capabilities.
Diehl Defence acts as the prime contractor for the IRIS-T SLM air defence systems for medium-range and, in the future, the IRIS-T SLX system for extended-range. As the national partner, AEL Sistemas is responsible for integrating Brazilian technology components — Brazilian Link BR2 tactical data link — as well as providing logistical support within the country.
The MoU strengthens ongoing projects, e.g. the delivery of IRIS-T as the standard armament for the F-39 Gripen fighter jets to the Brazilian Air Force. It also builds on the long-standing collaboration between the two companies for the planned integration of IRIS-T into the Brazilian F-5 fleet. The existing cooperation within the IRIS-T programs thus creates a systems foundation from which the Brazilian GBAD program will benefit.
The signing took place during a delegation visit through South America by business representatives led by German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul. The MoU thus also serves as evidence of the intensified German-Brazilian cooperation agenda. During government consultations in Hanover in April 2026, under German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, both countries had agreed on a memorandum of understanding regarding their cooperation in the procurement of defence equipment and related activities. In doing so, they have laid an essential foundation for deeper cooperation in the security and defence sectors of both countries.
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, said: “Brazil is a strategically important market for Diehl Defence in South America. In AEL Sistemas, we have a partner that knows and understands the requirements of the country’s armed forces. Our long-standing cooperation combines the combat-proven performance of the IRIS-T guided missile and of IRIS-T SLM with Brazilian integration expertise. This also allows us to establish the industrial basis for the IRIS-T SLX system — which is the basis for a sovereign and sustainable air defence solution for Brazil.”
Photos signing © Felix Zahn/AA/photothek.de
